Native Instruments REAKTOR 6 Review

Overview

Native Instruments has released the latest version of their flagship virtual instrument, REAKTOR 6. REAKTOR is a virtual instrument that models the modular synthesis process. The key to Reaktor's appeal is the ability to build your own instruments and effects. In version 6, REAKTOR has introduced a new way to build called Blocks. Check out our full video review after the jump.

Review Video & Demo

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Setup & First Impressions

Native Instruments has released the latest version of their flagship virtual instrument, REAKTOR 6. REAKTOR is a virtual instrument that models the modular synthesis process. The key to REAKTOR's appeal is the ability to build your own instruments and effects. In version 6, REAKTOR has introduced a new way to build called Blocks. Blocks allows you to build your own synths and effects using a wide array of oscillators, filters and modulations. The process is fairly simple and Native Instruments has created some great tutorial videos with its' partners to show how to build in Blocks. REAKTOR 6 is the natural progression of the series and creates a great analog sound within the digital space.

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Be sure to watch the entire review video above to see if the REAKTOR 6 is a good fit for your own production needs.

Conclusion / Recommended For

REAKTOR 6 is a great find for the individual who has an genuine interest in modular synthesis. It allows the user to create the same type of sounds that you would normally find from the synthesizers and machines that REAKTOR is emulating. For this reason, it is a solid product that you will keep your interest for a long time.

Pros

Rich and authentic analog sound

100s of Preset instruments and Effects

Many Learning Resources from Native Instruments and it's user base

3 ways to build: Core, Primary and Blocks

Cons

Learning Curve: While building sounds isn't extremely difficult, it does take some time to understand how the process works

Difficulty in setting up controller assignments: Within Logic X, I had difficulty with controller assignments for REAKTOR. (This maybe more of a problem with Logic than Reaktor but it was an issue I ran into)

Native Instruments has unveiled the latest incarnation of its' modular DSP environment, Reaktor 6. The product expands on its' "best in class" DSP and sound quality while introducing a new feature that is sure to excite the modular synthesis crowd. In version 6, Reaktor has a new feature called "Blocks". Check out the video and press release after the jump

Native Instruments has released its' latest collaboration with musician, producer and inventor, Tim Exile. The release is entitled "FLESH" and it allows the user to create production elements like basslines and melodies using rhythmic material. The FLESH utilizes advanced algorithms to transform the source material thru re-synthesis. Like the previous Tim Exile & NI collaborations, "The Finger" & "The Mouth", FLESH is powered by Reaktor.

Late last year, we reviewed the new Native Instruments Powerful tools that allow producers to make music of all styles and genres. The Native Instruments Maschine Studio easily allows users to bang out beats on the drum pads while the Native Instruments Komplete Keyboards made it simple to add a melody to the rhythm. Now Native Instruments has integrated the Maschine Studio with the Komplete Keyboards to make an easy and intuitive workflow for production.

Contrary to popular "DJ" beliefs, Native Instruments actually makes products that aren't DJ oriented. Native Instruments also makes excellent production software for producers and music-makers of all types of Genres. This time, NI has announced the new RAZOR software synthesizer which is designed to work with REAKTOR 5 to help create new modern sounds for contemporary electronic music production.

Native Instruments has just released MASCHINE 1.6, a major FREE update for its acclaimed groove production studio platform. With the addition of plug-in hosting for instruments and effects, the new version significantly expands the scope and functionality of the original system. Be sure to check out our complete written review on the Machine and check inside for videos on the new features of the MASCHINE 1.6.

Native Instruments is always helping out DJ's and Producers by providing us with excellent software packages that seem to push the envelope time and time again. Native Instruments is now releasing a new Production product called Damage that will assist music-makers with creating those hard-hitting cinematic percussion beats and sounds for movie scores and high-impact music production. In other words, this gives you a combination of industrial sounds and orchestral percussion to add lots of character to whatever project you are working on. Details, pricing, and press release inside.